Infallible - Catholics believe he is incapable of error when he speaks on faith or moral issues under certain conditions.

In Orthodoxy, all bishops are fundamentally equal in theological authority, even if some have higher administrative roles. For example, the head of the Russian Church, the patriarch, sets general policy, but he is not theologically superior to other bishops. Even the patriarch, who is sometimes referred to as 'the first among equals' does not have the power to interfere with a local bishop’s canonical running of his own diocese without calling a council of bishops.

Involvement of Children

Catholics must wait until they are older to be full members of the church.

Orthodox children are considered full members, receiving Baptism and Communion (Eucharist) from birth, as well as other sacraments, such as confession, in childhood.

What happens after death

Catholics believe in purgatory, an intermediary place between heaven and hell where souls not completely ready for heaven are purified. They also believe in the validity of indulgences, although they no longer sell them.

Orthodoxy condemns these teachings as heresy.

Modernization of Church Services

Catholics radically changed their services in the 60s, trying to bring the church into the modern age. The result has been a disaster. The Orthodox try to preserve the way Christianity was practiced since its beginnings. Their services are largely unchanged since the 3rd century.

The Orthodox church never experienced major changes, whereas Catholics have had councils (such as Vatican II) where they have entirely changed rituals, services, and character. Nearly every aspect of the Orthodox liturgical tradition has been largely unchanged for 2,000 years, and the Russians for almost 1,000.

Diet restrictions (fasting)

In Orthodoxy, this is extensive. For over half of the days of the year there are restrictions - mostly this means not eating any animal products (i.e. dairy, eggs, meat) nor drinking alcohol. The Church attaches great importance to these fasts, and they are a big part of living an Orthodox lifestyle.

The Catholics for centuries were very similar, but again, in the 60s in an effort to be more ‘modern’ they got rid of most of the fasts. This is an example of how in practice, Catholicism is far more liberal than Orthodoxy.

Check out the 4 min video for yourself and let us know what differences interested you the most in the comments down below!

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